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Friday

Things to do in Ridgewood with Kids: The Onderdonk House

With the Fourth Of July just around the corner, it is a perfect time to learn about the history of the US and of Ridgewood. While Ridgewood has many designated historical sections. None is more historic than the Vander-Ende Onderdonk House on Flushing Ave.

With the distinction of being the oldest standing house in Ridgewood. This 1700s dutch farmhouse sits on a small plot of land in what is now an industrial area at the edge of town. The Onderdonk House has events both in the house and on the grounds. Right behind house us a small rock garden that is home to a few chicken.

The Onderdonk House is truly a community house. It is run by volunteers, it has a wonderful library that chronicles the history of the area going back to the Dutch settlers, and is a place where local scouts do service projects. For example the picnic area was restored by scouts, the interior of the house was painted by scouts and other projects on the property.

Inside the house, there is currently an exhibit of items found during an archeological dig of the site in the 1970s. Which shows how people lived during the pre-revolutionary war period.

Please check their website http://www.onderdonkhouse.org for hours and upcoming events. The host many weddings so check to make sure they are open to the public on days you want to visit.